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Name: Michael Johnston
Rank on Exit: Warrent Officer Class 2
Years of Service: Years
Qualifications Gained: -
In October 2005, air defence specialist Warrant Officer Class 2 Michael Johnston left the Royal Artillery, because ‘the chances of getting a job when one is 40 years of age are greater than that when one is 55.’ Service in the UK and Germany had trained him to ‘be flexible, and to get on with the job in hand without any great discussion. Multi tasking was also of benefit. Another aspect would be the sourcing of information that is not openly available.’
Much of the information given at his ‘Career Transition Workshop was common sense and I had started preparation for transition to civilian life approximately two years in advance.’ Word of mouth led to a job with easyJet in Germany, enabling him ‘to get on to the net and look for another job without being unemployed. I was not happy. I jumped at this job too quickly and I took the safe option at the start.’
For the last two-and-a-half years, Johnston has been International Sales Manager for Delius Textiles ‘responsible for 14 countries including the UK, Ireland, Middle East, Sweden and Norway, for all aspects of selling contract fabrics into and for the hospitality market. I work directly to the directors of the company, and the job involves meeting architects, interior designers and contractors.
He enjoys variety with the people he meets, a great deal of responsibility and is trusted to get on with the job in hand without any questions; making decisions making and implementing them without having to seek authorisation. His only dislike is a long commute from home to office when he is not travelling.
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